Troops rescue 150 civilians as military thwarts mass abduction in North-East Nigeria

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have foiled a planned mass abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and rescued more than 150 civilians in Nigeria’s North-East, the military has said.

According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, the incident occurred at about 14:50 local time on 30 March 2026 along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Borno State.

The statement said troops deployed at Dutse Kura came under attack while escorting civilians when surveillance assets detected insurgents attempting to abduct a large number of people, including women and children, using about 17 vehicles.

It said a Quick Reaction Force was immediately deployed to reinforce the troops, repel the нападение and launch a pursuit towards the Mangari area.

“The aggressive pressure exerted by troops forced the terrorists to abandon all abducted civilians and vehicles, effectively thwarting the mass kidnapping attempt,” the statement said.

All the rescued civilians were subsequently moved to Buratai for onward reunification with their families.

However, during the pursuit, troops encountered an improvised explosive device along the Bula Zarma–Mangari axis, leaving five soldiers seriously injured. They were evacuated for specialist medical care.

The military said the incident highlights both therisks faced by personnel and the ongoing efforts to protect civilians in the region.

It added that the operation demonstrated the troops’ vigilance, rapid response capability and sustained pressure on armed groups, particularly ahead of the Easter period.

The military high command commended the troops for what it described as their gallantry and resilience, urging them to maintain the offensive against insurgents.